Common Types of Defective Product Cases
Brake Defects
Brakes are one of the most important and relied upon parts of a motor vehicle. If a car’s brakes suddenly fail or malfunction, there is often little a driver can do to remain in control of the vehicle and a crash often results. Such crashes can not only involve the vehicle with the faulty brakes, but can typically involve collisions with other vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians.
When Are Companies Liable for Brake Failure?
If your brakes suddenly failed, it is important to state this fact to the police responding to the scene of the accident. In addition, you should not make any statements accepting blame for the crash as the brake failure may not be your fault. You should also discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible as an automotive expert will need to examine the brakes and identify what caused the malfunction.
A company can be held liable for brake failure if the company did any of the following:
- A manufacturer negligently designed the brakes with inherent defects;
- A manufacturer negligently produced the brakes using inadequate materials or improper assembly;
- Failed to properly test or inspect the brakes;
- Improperly marketed the brakes for the wrong type of vehicle or without any necessary warnings;
- Not providing any necessary instructions regarding the brakes.
GM Defective Ignition Switches
General Motors (“GM”) has issued a recall of millions of vehicles with defective ignition switches. The ignition switches may cause a vehicle to stall or shut down, disabling airbags, power steering, power brakes, and other electronic systems. As of December 1, 2014, the defective ignition switches have caused accidents leading to at least 36 deaths and 44 seriously injured people. As a result, GM is facing a criminal investigation, and multiple civil lawsuits.
The Johnston Law Firm is pursuing and investigating claims and lawsuits against GM on behalf of individuals and families killed and injured as a result of defective GM ignition switches.
We are offering free case evaluations for the GM ignition switch recall. Contact our Portland, Oregon Law Firm for a free consultation. The current deadline to make a claim against GM’s compensation fund is January 31, 2015, although civil cases can and will be pursued against GM in Court after that date.
Defective Gas Pedals
The gas pedal is one of the most essential parts of any type of motor vehicle. After all, without a gas pedal, you would be unable to move the vehicle across the ground and it would be basically useless. However, an accelerator can also cause serious problems if it malfunctions suddenly while someone is driving. In such a situation, a defective gas pedal can cause serious risks of collisions, injuries, and even death.
At the Johnston Law Firm, our skilled personal injury lawyers know how terrifying it can be if your gas pedal malfunctions and causes you to crash your car. We have seen firsthand the devastating types of injuries that can result from this type of crash and we are committed to helping victims recover for their losses and injuries whenever possible. If your vehicle malfunctioned and caused you injury, please call to discuss your situation with a member of our legal team today.
Many different makes and models of passenger vehicles over the years have caused accidents and injuries due to gas pedal defects and malfunctions. Some of these malfunctions can include:
- The gas pedal sticking;
- Unintentional acceleration,
- Gas pedals that can bend, crack, or break;
- Electrical malfunctions.
Any of these malfunctions can cause a driver to completely lose control and crash. Imagine driving at highway speeds in traffic and suddenly your vehicle begins to accelerate faster beyond your control. In such a situation, the best course of action to try to keep yourself safe is to remain calm (which is easier said than done), keep your foot on the brake, and try to get the car into neutral so you can bring it to a stop. Unfortunately, many drivers either do not know how to react or are unable to take these steps before they crash.
Contact an Oregon Defective Products Lawyer
If you have questions regarding defective products, contact the Johnston Law Firm by calling 503-546-3167 or via the e-mail form on this website. We offer a free initial consultation and flexible hours by appointment.
The Johnston Law Firm, LLC proudly represents clients in all cities and counties in Oregon: Portland, Gresham, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas.
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